By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania farmers, agricultural producers, and industry professionals are encouraged to attend the 2026 PA Agricultural Industry Breakfast, themed “Managing Risk & Building Resilience in Pennsylvania Agriculture,” during this year's Ag Progress Days.
Scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., the free event will take place in the Special Events Building at Ag Progress Days, located at 2710 W. Pine Grove Road, Pennsylvania Furnace, PA 16865. While there is no cost to attend, participants must register online or by phone at 717-346-0849.
The breakfast will highlight the growing challenges facing Pennsylvania agriculture, including unpredictable weather, disease outbreaks, and other risks affecting farm operations.
Recent issues such as spring freezes, drought conditions, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), and concerns surrounding New World Screwworm have reinforced the need for effective risk management and long-term resilience.
Attendees will enjoy a complimentary breakfast followed by a panel discussion focused on the financial impact of agricultural risks and strategies that can help farm families strengthen their operations while identifying new opportunities for profitability.
The event is being organized through a partnership involving the Pennsylvania Beef Producers Working Group, Center for Beef Excellence, Center for Poultry and Livestock Excellence, Center for Dairy Excellence, Center for Plant Excellence, and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
The morning program will feature opening remarks from Nichole Hockenberry, a welcome from Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, and presentations by Dr. Becca Weir of Penn State University and Dr. Kellie Hough of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
A farmer will also share firsthand experiences before the event concludes with a panel discussion and wrap-up led by Jayne Sebright.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education